The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, and there was no evidence of visual field impairment or loss of visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in one eye and 20/50 or worse in the other. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his ED, as he had normal corrected vision in both eyes. Service connection was denied for kidney cancer with subsequent removal of the right kidney due to lack of evidence linking it to service or any service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were based on the absence of visual acuity impairment and loss of visual field, which are required for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria. The Board also found that there was no evidence supporting a higher rating for ED due to normal corrected vision in both eyes.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Kidney Cancer with subsequent removal of the right kidney
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2013
- Citation
- 1300466
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1300466.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 27, 2021 for the award of service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The GERD claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of Erectile Dysfunction as it was fully granted prior to this decision. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for Hypertension.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
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